Job summary
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen, for Band 4 Associate Practitioner or Trainee Practitioner positions within the recently formed NYY&S Intensive Support Service for people with a learning disability.
The post holders will work as part of the multi-disciplinary Community Learning Disability Teams, work towards addressing and supporting the health, psychological, emotional and behaviour needs of adults with a learning disability who have complex physical and emotional health needs. The base will be in York at Systems House and will cover the North Yorkshire area York & Selby Area.
The focus of the team is to provide an alternative to in-patient care in-line with the transforming care agenda, focusing on people with a learning disability who are experiencing (but not exclusively) mental health difficulties, behavioural challenges, at risk of placement breakdown in the least restrictive environment with the minimum of disruption to their lives. The team may also provide some in reach intoAMH/ ACUTE/ LD hospital settings as a liaison support.
The IST operates from 8am-8pm on a 12hr shift pattern 7 days a week.
The successful candidate must be motivated, flexible, and able to communicate effectively and must have previous experience working with individuals who have a learning disability and/or mental health conditions.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidates will need to have a genuine desire to improve the mental health and well-being of adults with learning disability and behaviours that challenge. They will work as part of an MDT delivering high quality secondary care and enhancing the community services, working with individuals who require specialist interventions using PBS Approaches, trauma informed care & a recovery-based approach.
They will be expected to travel independently to various locations within the locality on a regular basis so musthave access to their own transport. If a reasonable adjustment is required, please contact us for a conversation regarding your personal circumstances.
The successful individual will need a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care and Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 or equivalent to be recruited into the position on Band 4.
If the successful applicant has not got the Foundation Degree, they will be appointed on a temporary trainee contract on Agenda for Change Band 3. Applicants applying to be trainees will need to have the NVQ/Diploma in Health and Social Care 3 and literacy and numeracy level 2
The Associate Practitioner training programme will last 2 years during which time individuals will be expected to complete the Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care and meet the required competencies of the role.
Following successful completion of the training programme and the two years' experience the individual will transfer to Agenda for Change Band 4.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby. From education and prevention to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
There are many benefits to working for our Trust including a generous NHS pension scheme, and an excellent annual leave package. The Trust also offers a range of further NHS benefits and discounts along with many training and career development opportunities.
A Trust car lease scheme is also available.
Regular supervisions and an annual appraisal, which provides lots of opportunities for discussion around achievements, challenges and aspirations.
Staff recognition is also very important to us; through our Star Award Schemes; highlighting the outstanding work being done every day.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will deliver a quality service and ensure the individual is at the centre of their care ensuring they are fully involved in all aspects of assessment, planning, care and treatment as appropriate, including being professionally and legally accountable.
The service is looking for an Associate Practitioner or an individual who would be willing to develop with relevant LD experience or. The successful applicant must be able to work well independently and as well as part of a wider team.
The team will cover a 7-day service, and will operate from 8am until 8pm and the Associate Practitioner/trainee Associate Practitioner will work as part of the team to provide assessment, advice and support to clients, carers and other professionals.
We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic and who are willing to help support, develop and shape the team.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying for this post.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Qualified Post - Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care Trainee Post
2. Training Post - NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and willingness to work towards achieving the Foundation Degree. Qualification must be achieved within agreed timescale.
3. Key skills in literacy, numeracy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
Experience
Essential
4. Previous experience of working with people with learning disabilities.
5. Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment.
Knowledge
Essential
6. Person centred care
7. Willing to undertake learning in areas such as epilepsy, challenging behaviour, dementia or other mental health conditions of relevance to the role.
8. Evidence based knowledge of current practices in the field.
9. Awareness of legal frameworks including Mental Health legislation
10. Care Programme Approach
Skills
Essential
11. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
12. Time management and ability to prioritise effectively.
13. Competency in record keeping (within agreed timescales)
Personal Attributes
Essential
14. Able to work in accordance with the Staff Compact and Trust Values and Behaviours.
15. Compassionate in meeting the needs of vulnerable people and their families and carers
16. Able to work flexibly and co-operatively as part of a team.
17. Committed to continual quality and service improvement.
18. Self awareness and committed to continual personal development.